Mercedes chief Dieter Zetsche did not rule out the possibility that his company, which already owns five per cent of Aston, might acquire the UK firm, although he did what he could to dampen the speculation that has been growing fast.

Aston has been short of powerful industry friends since it was sold by Ford several years ago - and the management knows it.

“This is a fantastic brand, and we are willing to support its further development,” Zetsche said cryptically. He added that Aston had offered the CEO’s job to three individuals and had been rebuffed by two but now had a third in prospect.

AMG will develop the new V8 engine that will be supplied to Aston for the next generation of the Vantage, and will manufacture it in Germany.

Aston will specify its requirements for the engine, but AMG will program the ECU and do the testbed trails. Aston will work on installing it into the new Vantage.

The capacity is still being kept secret, but most likely it will be a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, with about 480bhp, which is under development for the new C63 AMG.

Mercedes has made no secret in the past of its wishes to extend the partnership with Aston, with insiders at both companies hinting that the initial deal to supply engines and electronic components could be extended to include platform sharing as well.

Such a move would open up new opportunities for Aston Martin, chiefly the resurrection of its Lagonda SUV, which would be based on the Mercedes GL.

A good match with AMG, using their technology but keeping Astons as Astons. As for the new engine it will be under 4l and a turbo. Why? Because in China they tax 100% for cars above 4l and hence why even Ferrari are changing the California to a 3.9l turbo! If they joined with, for example, BMW I think they'd have to opt for engines with less cylinders and that may not offer Aston the smooth and creamy power delivery they're famous for.

Good new for Jaguar, then ! Putting ownership aside, this would leave Jag with the only British made range of globally-competitive sports cars with a British designed, developed and manufactured engine. However, in an ever globalised world perhaps buyers don't give a tinker's cuss about provenance these days ??....I understand Aston's V12s are made in Germany already and that doesn't seem to have affected sales....But if this M-B takeover happens (and it certainly has merit) it would certainly increase the potential market head-room for a Jag XK replacement.

Good new for Jaguar, then ! Putting ownership aside, this would leave Jag with the only British made range of globally-competitive sports cars with a British designed, developed and manufactured engine. However, in an ever globalised world perhaps buyers don't give a tinker's cuss about provenance these days ??....I understand Aston's V12s are made in Germany already and that doesn't seem to have affected sales....But if this M-B takeover happens (and it certainly has merit) it would certainly increase the potential market head-room for a Jag XK replacement.

Apart from the fact that before very long, they'll all be built in Pune in India. Wonder if JLR will ever give back those tens of millions of sterling they were given by the UK government on the proviso production would remain in the UK. Guessing not.

Daimler really want a halo brand in there portfolio such as BMW has Rolls and VW Bentley... Unfortunately Maybach should have been it but they kind off screwed up in the aesthetic design process not the quality.. But at this level it had to have everything looks, feel good factor, performance and quality.

I completely see the benefit of Merc tech and engines in a gorgeous new Aston design and look.. Plus Merc interiors for the new gen cars are pretty awesome too.. So combine that lot I think Aston could well be in pretty good shape again! Plus a Daimler buyout secures there future as long as Aston keep there Aston heritage and feel!